Former U.S. President Gerald Ford was honored as a "Michigan Football Legend" Saturday before the Wolverines' game against Illinois. Linebacker Desmond Morgan will wear Ford's No. 48 for the rest of his career.Courtesy the Bentley Historical Library

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan linebacker Desmond Morgan has been awarded the No. 48 jersey that was made famous by former center Gerald Ford, who went on to become the 38th President of the United States.

Morgan, a sophomore starter, wore the jersey Saturday against Illinois and will retain it for the rest of his career.

Ford a three-year letterman from 1932-34 as a center and linebacker. He was a key player on Big Ten and national championship teams in 1932 and 1933.

He was selected the Wolverines' most valuable player in 1934.

"The significance, when yo have a former president of the United States of America, a graduate, a player -- believe me, it’s very significant,” coach Brady Hoke said earlier this week.

Roster notes: Starting tight end Brandon Moore dressed for the first time since hurting his knee in the opener against Alabama. Senior Mike Kwiatkowski and freshman Devin Funchess had replaced him in the lineup. ... Fullback Stephen Hopkins, nursing an injured hamstring, did not dress for the fourth consecutive week. ... Defensive lineman Nathan Brink, out indefinitely with an injury, did not dress.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for MLive.com. He can be reached by email at kmeinke@mlive.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.